Red Sox's signing of Ranger Suárez adds a co-ace behind Garrett Crochet, marks a bold first move post-Bregman
In their first major-league free-agent signing of the offseason, the Boston Red Sox have agreed to a five-year, $130 million contract with left-handed starter Ranger Suárez. The move marks a significant strategic pivot after the team missed out on top target Alex Bregman, who officially signed with the Chicago Cubs earlier Wednesday.
A Pitching-First Pivot Post-Bregman
With Bregman off the board, the Red Sox shifted focus to bolstering a rotation they now view as a core strength. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow had previously emphasized adding impact pitching capable of fronting a playoff rotation alongside ace Garrett Crochet. While earlier acquisitions Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo added depth, Suárez represents the high-ceiling arm Breslow targeted. His signing could accelerate a stagnant starting pitcher market, with top remaining arms like Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen now in focus.
Suárez’s Profile: Postseason Pedigree with Questions
Suárez, 30, brings an exceptional postseason résumé, owning a 1.48 ERA in playoff history—fourth-lowest all-time among pitchers with at least 40 innings and seven starts. He has been highly effective in the regular season, ranking 15th in fWAR over the past five seasons despite a limited workload (157⅓ innings pitched in 2025 was a career high). Recurring back injuries and below-average fastball velocity—his fastball averaged 91.3 mph in 2025—raise durability and performance concerns. However, his advanced command, diverse arsenal (featuring a plus changeup and curveball), and ability to induce weak contact have made him a consistently successful run-preventer.
Remaining Challenges for the Red Sox
The Suárez signing does not address the offensive void left by Bregman’s departure. The Red Sox position-player group remains imbalanced and incomplete, signaling likely further moves. While failing to retain Bregman was a setback, the Suárez acquisition demonstrates the team’s willingness to pivot aggressively and invest in a new competitive framework for 2026.
